[476429]

Short Version
Have the Kodi developers discussed the possibility of creating Kodi apps that would run on Roku and/or Amazon Fire streaming devices?

Longer Version
I've been running XBMC/Kodi on a Mac mini for almost fifteen years. I recently realized that most people I know are using a streaming device like a Roku, Fire, or AppleTV. They love all of the "channels" they get. When they look at Kodi on its own, they don't see the variety of video streaming add-ons they would like, so switching to Kodi is not an option for them.

I saw that Plex has an app for Roku and Fire. I've also seen that people have "hacked" Kodi to run as an app on those devices. Will there will ever be an official Kodi app for Roku, Fire, and/or AppleTV?

When my Mac mini dies, I  really can't justify replacing it with another machine over $100 since streaming devices are so cheap now. But I don't want to switch to Plex or give up my beloved Kodi. It would be awesome if Kodi had an official app for the most popular streaming devices.

[DarrenHill]

Roku no, as from my understanding it would need too much work. You can't run Kodi on a Roku (despite what various websites may say), all you can do is mirror a device with Kodi on it using a Roku to display it, which isn't quite the same thing.

We can already be side loaded onto the Fire devices (I have it running on my Firestick), as they're just Android based devices. We were originally in the Amazon store, but for various reasons we got removed.

As for the AppleTV, again we can be sideloaded onto those (except the v3, where you can't sideload anything) and there is development work ongoing there. But for different reasons we can't go into the Apple appstore, as they won't let us.

[476429]

We can already be side loaded onto the Fire devices (I have it running on my Firestick), as they're just Android based devices. We were originally in the Amazon store, but for various reasons we got removed.

As for the AppleTV, again we can be sideloaded onto those (except the v3, where you can't sideload anything) and there is development work ongoing there. But for different reasons we can't go into the Apple appstore, as they won't let us.

Are the "side loading" processes something non-techies can handle. If not, is there a way to simplify the process?

Thanks!

[trogggy]

They're very easy on the fire devices.

[DarrenHill]

An example of how to do it:

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/how-to-inst...25115.html

[476429]

An example of how to do it:

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/how-to-inst...25115.html

That does look pretty straight-forward. So a Fire device is just another Android device as far as Kodi is concerned? Nothing different that needs to be taken into account when setting it up?

Thanks!

[DarrenHill]

Yes, it's just another Android device.

Of course the storage space on it is very limited and not expandable easily, but if you set up access to media either via your local network or by streaming then it's fine.

[476429]

Yes, it's just another Android device.

Of course the storage space on it is very limited and not expandable easily, but if you set up access to media either via your local network or by streaming then it's fine.

Do you have to stream for another machine or are there Fire devices that can handle USB drives?

BTW, do we know the reasons why Kodi can't got pulled from the Amazon store? I would think that if is allowed in the store then Kodi should be allowed as well.

Thanks.

[DarrenHill]

I only own a FireStick, which of course isn't designed for USB drives (although it is physically possible to connect them, with suitable wiring and locating). I think the other larger devices have USB, but don't take that as gospel. Basically the devices (especially the stick) are designed for Amazon's Prime streaming service.

As to the store, iirc at least in part our unfortunate reputation in some quarters in relation to piracy and illegal streaming got us kicked out. Or at least that was the excuse at the time.